Recommended by John Busser

  • John Busser: /ärt/ by Steven G. Martin
    “

    Having taught an art class for a short time, I was rolling on the floor laughing at Steven Martin's 10 minute masterpiece. Nothing could be more dead on when judging art, and the absolute silliness of pretending to be objective about it.

    Having taught an art class for a short time, I was rolling on the floor laughing at Steven Martin's 10 minute masterpiece. Nothing could be more dead on when judging art, and the absolute silliness of pretending to be objective about it.

    ”
  • John Busser: How to be a Respectable Junkie by Greg Vovos
    “

    Greg's play puts a recognizable human face on a person many people want to plaster over as a symbol of an unpleasant member of society, the addict. By emphasizing the everyman nature of the lead character, we realize it's not enough to just label someone as a lost cause to an insurmountable force. We meet the person behind the stigma. I found myself rooting for Brian, not dismissing him. I had the pleasure of seeing this performed. Pleasure being a strange word considering the subject matter, but it was one of the most moving pieces of theater I've ever seen.

    Greg's play puts a recognizable human face on a person many people want to plaster over as a symbol of an unpleasant member of society, the addict. By emphasizing the everyman nature of the lead character, we realize it's not enough to just label someone as a lost cause to an insurmountable force. We meet the person behind the stigma. I found myself rooting for Brian, not dismissing him. I had the pleasure of seeing this performed. Pleasure being a strange word considering the subject matter, but it was one of the most moving pieces of theater I've ever seen.

    ”
  • John Busser: ACCOMMODATION by Greg Burdick
    “

    Greg Burdick's ACCOMMODATION is a fascinating look at our present "No Child Left Behind" education system. I can't help but feel saddened at the burden we place on not only our children to learn, but most tellingly on the unfair pressure we exert on our educators. Making the science teacher of the piece a victim of a condition she has to deal with while still maintaining her position of the play's conflict was brilliant. It's not an "Us vs. Them" relationship when one of "Us" IS one of "Them". Smartly written and worth your time.

    Greg Burdick's ACCOMMODATION is a fascinating look at our present "No Child Left Behind" education system. I can't help but feel saddened at the burden we place on not only our children to learn, but most tellingly on the unfair pressure we exert on our educators. Making the science teacher of the piece a victim of a condition she has to deal with while still maintaining her position of the play's conflict was brilliant. It's not an "Us vs. Them" relationship when one of "Us" IS one of "Them". Smartly written and worth your time.

    ”
  • John Busser: Alivish Redux by Mark V Jones
    “

    What a fun little absurdist monster story. I laughed out loud at the blessing of the holy water. Nicely done, Mark.

    What a fun little absurdist monster story. I laughed out loud at the blessing of the holy water. Nicely done, Mark.

    ”
  • John Busser: ONE IN THE CHAMBER by Greg Burdick
    “

    This play should be a wakeup call to what's wrong with our cultural thinking. How could anyone look forward to implementing the kind of measures outlined by the principal? Why are some folks so ready to pull a trigger? Well done Greg. Thank you for writing this.

    This play should be a wakeup call to what's wrong with our cultural thinking. How could anyone look forward to implementing the kind of measures outlined by the principal? Why are some folks so ready to pull a trigger? Well done Greg. Thank you for writing this.

    ”
  • John Busser: LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION: a Very Short Play About Children and Guns by Scott Sickles
    “

    I am saddened that I felt compelled to read this, but absolutely glad I did. Nail, meet hammer.

    I am saddened that I felt compelled to read this, but absolutely glad I did. Nail, meet hammer.

    ”
  • John Busser: I Hate This (a play without the baby) by David Hansen
    “

    Beautiful in it's reading, I can't imagine how powerful it would be to see it performed. I was frustrated at the inevitable outcome, knowing it wouldn't change, but hoping somehow that it would before the last page. Although I've never experienced anything like the tragedy David and Toni did, it resonated with me personally. A true insight into how we cope with loss. Highly recommended!

    Beautiful in it's reading, I can't imagine how powerful it would be to see it performed. I was frustrated at the inevitable outcome, knowing it wouldn't change, but hoping somehow that it would before the last page. Although I've never experienced anything like the tragedy David and Toni did, it resonated with me personally. A true insight into how we cope with loss. Highly recommended!

    ”